Hub Component for Vented Connector

ABSTRACT

A hub component for a vented connector including a generally elongate cylindrical body having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hub component includes one or more fingers or clips for engagement with one or more vents of the vented connector. The second end of the hub component can be configured for compatible engagement with a carbon dioxide detector.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/559,006 filed Sep. 15, 2017, and is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.14/844,956 filed Sep. 3, 2015, which claims the priority benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/047,389 filed Sep. 8, 2014,and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/192,614 filed Jul.15, 2015, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to medical devices, and moreparticularly to connectors and couplings and other components forvessels for fluids in the medical field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In example embodiments, the present invention relates to a hub componentfor connection with a vented connector.

In one aspect, the invention relates to a hub component including agenerally elongate body, a coupling portion formed at the first end, oneor more elongate fingers formed at the second end, and a receiverdefined within a portion of the body between the first and second ends.In example embodiments, the elongate body has a first end and a secondend defining a length therebetween, and a lumen extending through thebody from the first end to the second end.

In example embodiments, an outer surface of the one or more fingersinclude at least one engagement member formed thereon. In exampleembodiments, the receiver is configured for coupling complementaryengagement with a connector-receiving portion of a connector. In exampleembodiments, the connector-receiving portion includes a male hub. Inexample embodiments, the male hub includes a male ISO 80369-3 compatiblecoupling and the receiver includes a female ISO 80369-3 compatiblecoupling. In example embodiments, the connector-receiving portionfurther includes an outer cylindrical collar surrounding the male huband defines an annular space therebetween, the outer cylindrical collarhaving an endwall defining one or more vents, wherein the one or morefingers are configured for extension through the one or more vents whenthe receiver is connected with the male hub. In example embodiments, anouter surface of the one or more fingers include an engagement memberconfigured for engagement with the endwall of the collar when the malehub is connected with the receiver of the elongate body. In exampleembodiments, the one or more fingers include a pair of opposing fingersdefining a pair of elongate channels therebetween. In exampleembodiments, the one or more fingers include a circular array of fourspace-apart fingers, wherein at least one of the four fingers comprisesan engagement member extending from an outer surface thereof. In exampleembodiments, a first pair of fingers and a second pair of fingers, thefirst pair of fingers including at least one engagement member formed onan outer surface thereof at a first height and the second pair offingers comprising at least one engagement member formed on an outersurface thereof at a second height, wherein the first height is notidentical to the second height.

In example embodiments, the length of the elongate body is between about5-200 millimeters. In example embodiments, the hub component furtherincludes a lumen extension tip formed with the receiver. In exampleembodiments, the coupling portion is configured for connection with asensor or detector. In example embodiments, the sensor or detector canbe a carbon dioxide detector, a pH indicator or other sensor or detectorso as to ensure proper gastric placement of a feeding tube.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a component for couplingengagement with a vented connector. In example embodiments, the ventedconnector includes a body having a lumen extending therethrough anddefining a vessel-attaching portion and a component-attaching portion,the component-attaching portion including a cylindrical collarsurrounding the body and having an endwall having one or more vents. Thecomponent includes a cylindrical body, a coupling portion defined at thefirst end, at least one clip defined at the second end, and a receiverformed within the cylindrical body between the first and second ends. Inexample embodiments, the at least one clip is configured for passingthrough the one or more vents so as to permit the body ofcomponent-attaching portion to engage with the receiver. In exampleembodiments, the cylindrical body extends from a first end to agenerally opposite second end, and a lumen extends through the body fromthe first end to the second end.

In example embodiments, the body of the component-attaching portioncomprises a male hub, the male hub being formatted to be compatible withthe ISO 80369-3 design standard, and wherein the receiver is formattedto be compatible with the ISO 80369-3 design standard so as to providecomplementary interengagement between the component and the ventedconnector. In example embodiments, an outer surface of the at least oneclip comprises an engagement member having an engagement surface, theengagement surface configured for interfering with the endwall of thecylindrical collar when the receiver is connected with the body of thecomponent-attaching portion. In example embodiments, the second end ofthe cylindrical body includes at least two fingers, wherein one of theat least two fingers includes an engagement member formed on an outersurface thereof and positioned at a first height and wherein the otherof the at least two fingers includes an engagement member formed on anouter surface thereof and positioned at a second height. In exampleembodiments, the component can be configured for connecting with thevented connector in either of a vented configuration or a sealedconfiguration, wherein in the vented configuration the engagement memberpositioned at the first height is engaged with the endwall so as toprovide at least some space between in inner surface of the receiver andan outer surface of the body of the vented connector, and wherein in thesealed configuration the engagement member positioned at the secondheight is engaged with the endwall so as to provide a sealed,interference fit between the inner surface of the receiver and an outersurface of the body of the vented connector.

In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a component for couplingengagement with nutritional or medicinal fluid transfer systems orcomponents. In example embodiments, the component includes an elongatebody extending between a first end and a second end and defining a lumenextending therethrough. The first end includes a coupling portion andthe second end includes one or more fingers. A receiver is formed in theelongate body between the first and second ends, wherein the receiverincludes an inner surface for compatible engagement with a male hub.

In example embodiments, the coupling portion of the second end isconfigured for coupling engagement with another medical device,component, vessel, detector or sensor. In example embodiments, thedetector is capable of determining the presence of carbon dioxide and/ormeasuring the acidity of a fluid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hub component according to anexample embodiment of the present invention, the hub component connectedwith a known vented connector for medical fluid vessels.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective assembly view of the hub component of FIG. 1,wherein the hub component and the vented connector are disassembled andspaced apart from each other.

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the disassembled hub componentand vented connector of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the hub component connected withthe vented connector of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a hub component according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a hub component according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention, showing the hub componentconnected with a known vented connector for medical fluid vessels.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a hub component connected with avented connector according to another example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective assembly view of the hub component and ventedconnector of FIG. 7, wherein the hub component and vented connector arespaced apart and disconnected from each other.

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional assembly view of a hub component and avented connector according to another example embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the hub component and ventedconnector of FIG. 9 connected together.

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a hub component according to anotherexample embodiment of the present invention, the hub component beingtethered to a vented connector and wherein a closure is further tetheredto the vented connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description of example embodiments taken inconnection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part ofthis disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is notlimited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parametersdescribed and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein isfor the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of exampleonly and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Anyand all patents and other publications identified in this specificationare incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein.

Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference toa particular numerical value includes at least that particular value,unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressedherein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to“about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueand/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like referencenumbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,FIGS. 1-2 show a hub connector or component 10 according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention. In the depicted example, thecomponent 10 is configured for connecting with a connector 60. Forexample, according to example embodiments, the connector 60 comprises avessel-attaching portion 61 defining a rear end 63, a coupling-attachingportion 62 defining a front end 64, and a central member or conduit 70defining a lumen 72 extending longitudinally therethrough from end toend. The vessel-attaching portion 61 attaches to (e.g., receives andsecures) the vessel and secures it in place with a good seal byconventional structures such as crimps or adhesives so that the vesselextends longitudinally from the rear end. In example embodiments, thevessel is generally a tube, though the term “vessel” is intended to bebroadly construed to include any carrier or container for a fluid aswell as any fluid-delivery device, and as such in other embodiments thevessel is a catheter, hose, feeding tube, bottle, bag, syringe, pump, orthe like. According to one example embodiment, the vessel-attachingportion 61 defines a receiver or connecting portion 76 (that isconfigured for receiving a feeding tube or the like). In other exampleembodiments, the connecting portion 76 can be configured as desired, forexample, such that a vessel can be permanently coupled therewith. Insome example embodiments, the vessel can optionally be removably coupledtherewith.

In example embodiments, the component 10 of the present invention isconfigured for connection with the coupling-attaching portion 62 of theconnector 60. According to example embodiments, the coupling-attachingportion 62 comprises a male hub 74 (comprising the lumen 72 extendingtherethrough), and a cylindrical collar 80 extending around the entiretythereof and comprising threads 82 formed on an inside or interiorsurface thereof. In example embodiments, the connector 60 is vented toprovide for fluid drainage and airflow ventilation. For example, anendwall 81 of the cylindrical collar 80 of the connector 60 comprises atleast one vent opening 84 (e.g., two, as depicted) providing fluidcommunication between an annular space defined generally near thecoupling-attaching portion (e.g., between an interior surface of thecollar 80 and an outer surface of the male hub 74) and external to theannular space. U.S. Published Patent Application US 2016/0067471, Ser.No. 14/844,956 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety anddiscloses a vented connector comprising a vessel-attaching portiondefining a rear end, a coupling-attaching portion defining a front end,a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough from end to end, and atleast one vent opening. According to example embodiments, two connectingportions 86 (depicted as spokes) fix together the conduit 70 (and malehub 74) with the cylindrical collar 80 so as to axially align theconduit 70 with the cylindrical collar 80.

According to example embodiments, the component 10 is configured forengagement with the coupling-attaching portion 62 of the connector 60.According to some example embodiments, the component 10 is configuredfor providing an interference fit with the male hub 74. As depicted inFIGS. 1-4, the component 10 comprises a generally cylindrical body 16extending between a first end 12 and a second end 14 (defining a lengthL therebetween), and defines a lumen 18 extending entirely through thebody 16 from end to end. In example embodiments, the second end 14comprises at least one elongate member or finger 20 and the first end 12comprises a coupling 50 (as will be described below). As depicted inFIG. 4, the length L of the component 10 is between about 12-35millimeters, for example, between about 20-30 millimeters according toone example embodiment, and for example, between about 23-26 millimetersaccording to another example embodiment. In alternate exampleembodiments, the length L can be chosen as desired, for example, betweenabout 5-200 millimeters.

According to the depicted embodiment, the second end of the cylindricalbody 16 comprises a pair of opposing radial clips or fingers 20comprising a slot or channel 22 defined between the sides of the fingers20. In example embodiments, the fingers 20 are configured for passingthrough a pair of vents 84 formed in the endwall 81 of thecoupling-attaching portion 62 of the connector 60, for example, whereinone or more outer protrusions or engagement members 30 pass beyond theendwall 81 so as to provide engagement with the same. In exampleembodiments, the fingers 20 are generally sized and shaped to extendthrough the pair of vents 84, for example, which are generally in theform of curved slots. Thus, according to example embodiments, the pairof fingers 20 comprise a cross-section that is shaped to pass throughthe curved slots. In alternate example embodiments, the fingers cancomprise a desired cross-section, and for example, the cross-section ofthe fingers can be sized and shaped to generally fit within the shape ofthe vents 84, for example, in the case that the vents are generallycurved or sized and shaped as desired, or for example, wherein one ormore vents are shaped to be cylindrical, oval, linear and/or non-linearchannels, irregular, or otherwise shaped as desired.

The channels 22 that are defined between the fingers 20 are preferablysized and shaped so as to receive the connecting portions 86 when thefingers 20 extend through the vents 84. In some example embodiments, thechannels 22 are generally linear and rectangular in shape, andcomprising a curved or radiused lower portion. In other exampleembodiments, the channels 22 can preferably be shaped and sized asdesired, for example, such that they are capable of receiving theconnecting portions 86. According to one example embodiment, thechannels can be generally non-linear or substantially helical so as todefine one or more helical fingers. Thus, according to exampleembodiments, rather than the fingers being generally linear (and linearchannels), the fingers and the channels are generally helical.

According to example embodiments and as depicted in FIGS. 3-4, anexternal surface 24 of the fingers 20 comprise the engagement members 30defined thereon, which are generally sized and shaped to permit theassembly and engagement thereof, however, disconnecting the component 10from the connector 60 is generally prevented until manipulation of thefingers 20. For example, in example embodiments, pressing inwardly onthe fingers 20 (displacing the fingers 20 towards the body 70)disengages the engagement members 30 from the endwall 81 such that thefingers 20 (and engagement members 30 extending therefrom) are providedwith sufficient clearance to pass through the vents 84, therebypermitting disconnection of the component 10 from the connector 60.

As depicted in FIG. 4, a lower engagement surface 31 of the engagementmembers 30 engages with the endwall 81 of the connector-attachingportion 60 while a receiver 40 within the body 16 of the component 10provides for an interference fit with the male hub 74 of theconnector-attaching portion 62. In example embodiments, the lowerengagement surface 31 of the engagement members 30 extends outwardlyfrom an exterior surface 24 of the fingers 20 by about 0.22 millimeters.In example embodiments, the outer surface 24 of the fingers 20 is spacedapart from an outer wall of the vents 84 by about 0.125 millimeters, forexample, such that about 0.1 millimeters of interference is definedbetween the engagement surface 31 and the endwall 81. And an innersurface 26 of the fingers 20 are generally spaced about 0.61 millimetersfrom an outer surface of the body 70. Thus, according to exampleembodiments, the fingers comprise about 0.61 millimeters of allowabledeflection or displacement so as to allow disengagement of theengagement surface 31 and the endwall 81 to permit full separation ofthe component 10 from the connector 60. In alternate exampleembodiments, the extension of the engagement surface, the interferencewith the endwall 81, spacing relative to the vent wall and the body canpreferably be configured as desired, for example, to comprise more orless extension, interference, spacing, etc. According to some exampleembodiments, the engagement surface 31 and the endwall 81 can comprisebetween about 0.05-5 millimeters of interference when fully assembled.Optionally, as described above, more or less interference can beprovided as desired. For example, according to some example embodiments,the engagement members 30 and the endwall 81 (or other portion of theconnector 60) can be configured for providing a permanent connection,for example, such that the component 10 and connector 60 are preventedfrom separation after being connected together.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-2, the fingers 20 each comprise a pair ofspaced-apart engagement members comprising the engagement surface 31. Inexample embodiments, the engagement members 30 are generally ramped orwedge-shaped, or for example, oriented to project from the outer surface24 to define the lower engagement surface and an angled surfaceextending from the engagement surface 31 and back into the outer surface24. In optional example embodiments, the engagement members 30 can be inthe form of one or more protrusions, projections, outwardly-extendingmembers(s), nubs, teeth, or other members or engagement couplings thatare configured for coupling engagement with the endwall 81 of theconnector. According to other example embodiments, the connector 60 cancomprise one or more projections and the engagement members can be inthe form of one or more recesses or otherwise receivers for engagementwith the projections of the connector 60. According to alternate exampleembodiments, one or more complementary interengagement features,male/female couplings, protrusions, receivers, stop surfaces, or otherengagement features can be provided for providing engagement of thefingers 20 with the connector 60, for example, the fingers with thevents 84. In further alternate example embodiments, the fingers 20 arefree from engagement members 30.

According to the depicted example embodiment of FIG. 4, theconnector-attaching portion 62 and at least the receiver 40 of thecomponent 10 are formatted to be ISO 80369-3 compatible, or for example,where the male hub 74 comprises a non-luer ENFit male compatiblecoupling and the receiver 40 comprises a female ENFit compatiblecoupling. Optionally, in alternate example embodiments, theconnector-attaching portion 62 and the male hub 74 can be formatted asdesired.

As depicted in FIG. 3, the body 16 comprises an inner surface 26 definedalong the fingers 20, and an inner surface 42 is defined along aninterior of the receiver 40. In example embodiments, the male hub 74sealingly engages with the receiver 40 such that a friction-fitconnection is provided therebetween. According to example embodiments,the inner surface 42 of the receiver 40 is dimensioned to comprise afirst diameter X₁, a second diameter X₂ that is spaced a distance fromthe first diameter X₁, and a third diameter X₃ that is defining theopening size of the lumen 18. According to example embodiments, thefirst diameter X₁ is about 5.6 millimeters, the second diameter X₂ isabout 5.4 millimeters, and the third diameter X₃ is about 3.2millimeters. According to some example embodiments, the first diameterX₁ can be between about 2-10 millimeters, the second diameter X₂ can bebetween about 2-10 millimeters, and the third diameter can be betweenabout 2-10 millimeters. According to the depicted example embodiment,the first diameter X₁ is about 5.625 millimeters. In alternate exampleembodiments, the first, second and third diameters X₁, X₂ and X₃ canpreferably be sized as desired. For example, according to most exampleembodiments, the receiver 40 is configured to provide an interferencefit with the male hub 74 of the connector-attaching portion 62. Inalternate example embodiments, the receiver 40 can be configured forproviding a clearance fit with the male hub 74 such that a minimalamount of interference is provided therebetween. Thus, according to someexample embodiments, with substantially minimal interference between thereceiver 40 and the male hub 74, a minimal seal or substantially no sealat all is provided therebetween.

In example embodiments, the coupling portion 50 of the first end 12 ofthe component 10 can be configured for coupling engagement with aplurality of components, or for example, can be configured for housingone or more components and for allowing fluid communication with the oneor more components with the lumen 18 (and lumen 72 of the male hub 74when coupled thereto). In some example embodiments, one or morecomponents can be housed within a portion of the component 10 (and influid communication with the lumen 18) while still providing a couplingportion 50, or for example, comprising a connector or other couplingmember for receiving one or more other components, connectors, vessels,or other components as desired.

For example, according to one example embodiment, the second end 12 ofthe component 10 is configured for compatible engagement with a sensoror measuring device, for example, a carbon dioxide (CO₂) sensor ordetector. For example, with a feeding tube extending from thevessel-attaching portion 61 of the connector 60 for gastric placementwithin a patient, the receiver 40 is coupled with the male hub 74 andthe coupling portion 50 receives a CO₂ detector, for example, byengaging an inner and/or outer surface 52, 54 thereof, or for example,by otherwise coupling with the first end 12 of the component 10.According to example embodiments, the coupling portion 50 comprises areceiver 51 defining the inner surface 52, and the outer surface 54 isgenerally provided on an exterior portion thereof. According to exampleembodiments, the outer surface 54 of the first end defines a diameter Dof about 8.4 millimeters. Optionally, according to alternate exampleembodiments, the diameter D can be between about 0.25 millimeters toabout 35 millimeters, or for example, the diameter D can be chosen asdesired. In example embodiments, as described above according to oneexample form, the CO₂ detector (or a portion thereof) can be coupled(and sealingly engaged) with the inner surface 52, the outer surface 54,an end surface between the inner and outer surfaces 52, 54, or canotherwise be sealingly engaged therewith.

In example embodiments, the first end 12 (and coupling portion 50) ofthe component 10 can be a vessel, a vessel from a tube set from agravity fed bag, a vessel from a tube set connecting to a syringe, avessel from a tube set connected to a peristaltic pump, a male ISO80369-3 compatible connector (e.g., generally similar to male hub 74), abifurcated med port connector (ISO 80369-3), a male slip fit ISO 80369-3compatible connector, a funnel connector, a small vessel for residualcollection, a port and/or reservoir for venting (gastric decompression),and/or any other desirable connector or coupling including Luer,non-luer, Nutrisafe 2, reverse Luer, neuraxial, ISO 80369-3 femalecompatible connector, etc. Optionally, according to additional exampleembodiments, the first end 12 of the component 10 can be configured forcoupling to other feeding systems, couplings or other available enteralfeeding components or connectors. According to additional exampleembodiments, the coupling portion 50 can be configured for couplingengagement with one or more sensors, couplings, connectors, vessels,measurement devices, other feeding systems, couplings or other availableenteral feeding components or connectors. As described above andaccording to one example embodiment, a CO₂ detector is configured forengagement with the coupling portion 50 to ensure proper gastricplacement.

According to another example embodiment, the coupling portion 50comprises two or more couplings, for example, such that one or moresensors and/or detectors or other components can be in fluidcommunication with the lumen 18 (and lumen 72 of the connector 60) whilepermitting fluid transfer through the lumen 18 (and lumen 72) to one ofthe other couplings. For example, in some example embodiments, thecoupling portion 50 comprises a connector or other coupling member forconnection with a feeding tube set or other fluid delivery conduit ordevice, and a separate coupling portion is provided at the first end 12for connecting with a sensor or detector. According to one exampleembodiment, the component comprises a pH indicator or strip housedtherein, and which is in fluid communication with the lumen of thecomponent 10 and connector 60, for example, such that fluids presentwithin the lumen communicate with the strip. In example embodiments, thepH strip can be utilized to indicate the pH level of a patient's stomachcontents, and thus, provide an indication of proper gastric placement ofthe feeding tube or vessel.

FIG. 5 shows a hub component 100 according to another example embodimentof the present invention. In example embodiments, the component 100 isgenerally similar to the component 10 as described above, for example,comprising a body 116 extending between a first end 112 and a second end114, at least one finger 120 at the second end 114, and a couplingportion 150 at the first end 112. In example embodiments, the second end114 comprises four fingers 120 having a curved or radial cross-sectionfor passing through the vents 84, for example, wherein each of the fourfingers 120 each comprise engagement members 130 (defining engagementsurfaces 131) for independently providing engagement with the endwall 81of the connector. The fingers 120 are generally spaced apart to define acircular or radial-like array wherein channels 122 are definedtherebetween. In example embodiments, two of the channels 122 are sizedfor receiving the connecting members 86 of the connector 60. In exampleembodiments, to disconnect and fully separate the component 100 from theconnector 60, all four of the fingers 120 are displaced or flexedinwardly to disengage the engagement surfaces 31 from the endwall 81.

FIG. 6 shows a component 200 connected with the connector 60 accordingto another example embodiment. In example embodiments, the component 200is generally similar to the component 100 as described above. Accordingto example embodiments, the component comprises a first pair of fingers220 and a second pair of fingers 221. In example embodiments, thefingers 220 comprise engagement members 230 protruding thereform andpositioned at a first height, and the fingers 221 comprise engagementmembers 230 positioned at a second height. In example embodiments, theheight difference of the engagement members 230 preferably allows forvarying level of engagement with the connector. For example, as depictedin FIG. 6, the engagement members 230 of the second pair of fingers 221are engaged with the endwall 81 whereby the receiver (not shown) isprovided with an interference fit with the male hub 74 of the connector.However, according to another example embodiment, at least someseparation of the receiver and male hub can be provided by disengagingthe engagement members of the fingers 221 so that the engagement members230 of the fingers 220 engage the endwall 81. Thus, by providingengagement members 230 of varying height (or distance with respect tothe ends of the fingers near the second end), the engagement of thecomponent 200 with the connector 60 can vary. For example, according toone example embodiment, when the engagement members 230 of the fingers220 are engaged with the endwall 81, at least some spacing is providedbetween the receiver and male hub (e.g., permitting at least someventing). However, when the engagement members 230 of the fingers 221are engaged with the endwall 81, the receiver and the male hub aresubstantially engaged to provide a sealed, interference fit.

Accordingly, by disengaging the two engaged fingers 221 from theconnector (e.g., pressing inwardly on each engaged finger to disengagethe engagement surface 231 from the endwall 81), the component 100 canbe at least partially separated from the connector until the engagementmembers 230 of the first set of fingers 220 engage with the endwall 81,thereby providing at least some clearance between the interior surfaceof the receiver of the component and an outer surface of the male hub,thereby providing a vented connection. Thus, according to exampleembodiments of the present invention, the hub component can beconfigured for removable engagement with the connector-attaching portionof the vented connector, for example, in either a vented configurationor an interference or sealed configuration depending on which of thefingers 220, 221 are engaged with the endwall 81 of the connector 60.

FIGS. 7-8 shows a hub component 300 for compatible engagement with avented connector 160 according to another example embodiment of thepresent invention. In example embodiments, the component 300 andconnector 160 are preferably removably engageable with each other, forexample, similar to a bayonet fitting. In example embodiments, thecomponent 300 is generally similar to the components as described aboveand comprises a second end comprising a pair of opposing fingers 320comprising engagement members 330 protruding outwardly therefrom, andwherein a channel 322 is defined between the fingers 320. The connector160 is generally similar to the connector 60 as described above,however, a channeled engagement track or pathway is provided with theconnector 160 so as to permit a rotational/clipped engagement with thefingers 320 of the component 300, for example, which is generallysimilar to a bayonet fitting.

In example embodiments, the collar 180 comprises the endwall 181 (asdescribed above) and comprises an elongate entrance channel 182 a, aradial track 182 b extending from the channel 182 a, and a couplingrecess or catch 182 c defined at an end of the radial track 182 b. Inexample embodiments, the component 300 is connected with the connector160 by moving the fingers through the vents 184 (with the engagementmembers 330 aligned with the channel 182 a), and rotating the component300 such that the engagement surface 231 of the engagement member 230rides along the radial track 182 b until the engagement member 330 isfitted within the catch 182 c. Thereafter, the component 300 is engagedwith the connector 160 (and with the receiver providing an interferencefit with the male hub). To separate the component 300 from the connector160, the fingers 320 are pressed or deflected inwardly (see arrow ofFIG. 7) until the engagement members 330 are free from engagement withthe catch 182 c, and then the component 300 is rotated such that theengagement surface 331 rides along the radial track 182 b until reachingthe channel 182 a. The engagement members 330 are then free to passthrough the channel 182 a thereby permitting full separation of thecomponent 300 from the connector 160. According to some exampleembodiments, the channel 182 a can extend entirely along an internalportion of the collar 180, for example, wherein at least a portion ofthe threads defined on an internal portion of the collar can be slottedor comprise a groove or recess.

FIGS. 9-10 show a hub component 400 according to another exampleembodiment of the present invention. In example embodiments, thecomponent 400 is generally similar to the component 10 as describedabove. In example embodiments, the receiver 440 further comprises adosing control coupling or lumen extension tip 480 projecting in adirection generally opposite the coupling portion 450. In exampleembodiments, with the lumen extension tip 480 projecting therein, anannular space 444 is defined between an inner surface 442 of thereceiver an outer or external surface of the lumen extension tip 480.According to example embodiments and shown in FIG. 10, when thecomponent 400 is connected with the connector 60 (with the receiver 40providing an interference fit with the male hub 74), the lumen extensiontip 480 is received within the lumen 72 of the male hub 74. U.S.Published Patent Application US 2016/0317393, Ser. No. 15/210,282 isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety and discloses a dosingcontrol coupling for enteral fluid transfer.

FIG. 11 shows a connector assembly 500 comprising a vented connector502, a hub component 504, and a closure or cap 506. In exampleembodiments, the component 504 and the cap 506 are connected to theconnector 502 by a tether or connecting member 510. In use, a user orclinician can readily access either of the component 504 or the cap 506as desired. According to another example embodiment, one or moreadditional components, connectors or other closures can be tethered tothe connector 502 as desired. According to one example embodiment, thehub component 504 can be connected with the connector 502, and then thecap 506 can be connected to the coupling portion of the component 504,for example, to provide a closure or seal at the coupling portion.

According to one example, a clinician can sealingly engage the hubcomponent to the connector and sealingly engage a CO₂ detector to thesecond end of the hub component to ensure proper gastric placement ofthe tube or vessel extending from the connector. Additionally, when itis desired to vent the vessel (e.g., after feeding), the hub componentcan be coupled with the connector in the vented configuration, forexample, such that air or gasses are permitted to pass through thevessel, through the lumen of the male coupling, and through the at leastpartially spaced-apart or offset surfaces of the hub component and malecoupling while keeping the male coupling (and lumen thereof)substantially covered and clean or sanitary.

According to some example embodiments, the one or more fingers do notcomprise any ribs or surface features, and thus rely on a friction fitwith the male coupling of the vented connector. According to anotherexample embodiment, one or more ribs or surface features of the one ormore fingers can be configured to provide for a substantially permanentconnection, for example, to be used in applications where tamperevidence or re-use prevention is desirable.

While the invention has been described with reference to exampleembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that avariety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scopeof the invention, as defined by the following claims.

1-14. (canceled)
 15. A component for coupling engagement with a ventedconnector, the vented connector comprising a body comprising a lumenextending therethrough and defining a vessel-attaching portion and acomponent-attaching portion, the component-attaching portion comprisinga cylindrical collar surrounding the body and having an endwallcomprising one or more vents, the component comprising: a cylindricalbody extending from a first end to a generally opposite second end, anda lumen extending through the body from the first end to the second end;a coupling portion defined at the first end; at least one clip definedat the second end; and a receiver formed within the cylindrical bodybetween the first and second ends, wherein the at least one clip isconfigured for passing through the one or more vents so as to permit thebody of component-attaching portion to engage with the receiver.
 16. Thecomponent of claim 15, wherein the body of the component-attachingportion comprises a male hub, the male hub being formatted to becompatible with the ISO 80369-3 design standard, and wherein thereceiver is formatted to be compatible with the ISO 80369-3 designstandard so as to provide complementary interengagement between thecomponent and the vented connector.
 17. The component of claim 15,wherein an outer surface of the at least one clip comprises anengagement member having an engagement surface, the engagement surfaceconfigured for interfering with the endwall of the cylindrical collarwhen the receiver is connected with the body of the component-attachingportion. 18-22. (canceled)
 23. The component of claim 15, wherein thesecond end of the cylindrical body comprises at least two fingers. 24.The component of claim 23, wherein each of the at least two fingerscomprises a engagement member formed on an outer surface thereof. 25.The component of claim 24, wherein an engagement member of one of the atleast two fingers is positioned at a first height and an engagementmember of the other of the at least two fingers is positioned at asecond height.
 26. The component of claim 15, wherein the component canbe configured for connecting with the vented connector in either of avented configuration or a sealed configuration.
 27. The component ofclaim 26, wherein in the vented configuration, an engagement memberpositioned on an outer surface of the second end at a first height isengaged with the endwall so as to provide at least some space between aninner surface of the receiver and an outer surface of the body of thevented connector, and wherein in the sealed configuration an engagementmember positioned on an outer surface of the second end at a secondheight is engaged with the endwall so as to provide a sealed,interference fit between the inner surface of the receiver and an outersurface of the body of the vented connector.
 28. The component of claim15, wherein the second end of the cylindrical body comprises at leastone or more elongate fingers.
 29. The component of claim 28, wherein anouter surface of the one or more fingers comprises at least oneengagement member formed thereon, wherein the one or more fingers areconfigured for extension through the one or more vents.
 30. Thecomponent of claim 28, wherein the one or more fingers comprise a pairof opposing fingers defining a pair of elongate channels therebetween.31. The component of claim 28, wherein the one or more fingers comprisea circular array of four space-apart fingers, wherein at least one ofthe four fingers comprises an engagement member extending from an outersurface thereof.
 32. The component of claim 31, comprising a first pairof fingers and a second pair of fingers, the first pair of fingerscomprising at least one engagement member formed on an outer surfacethereof at a first height and the second pair of fingers comprising atleast one engagement member formed on an outer surface thereof at asecond height, wherein the first height is not identical to the secondheight.